Allowing Saudi stores to stay open 24/7 will boost SMEs’ business, says official

Saudi cabinet’s approval of allowing commercial businesses to remain open 24 hours is expected to boost the productivity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Saleh Al-Rasheed, governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monshaat), said on his Twitter official account.

He further said that it will also increase their contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) from 20 percent to 35 percent.

“The decision will duly increase employment rates and improve the quality of life in the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030,” he further added.

Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approved earlier allowing commercial businesses and shops to open 24 hours in return of a charge, to be determined by the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Argaam reported.